Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1887-03-19
The Lock Bracelet.

This, then, is to seal our engage
ment y she said, adjusting the brace
let upon her snowy wrist. Yes !
responded 'henceforth our lives are
linked, and / turned and kissed her.
had purchased it that morning,
partly from my own admiration of
the design, but chiefly to crafty
Bessie's fondness for rubies. 1t was,
indeed, novelty, consisting of sew
eral coils of gold, which fastened
with lock literally composed of
rubies, and that seintillated in the
twilight like sparks of burning fire.
All, how wildly the remembrance
of that summer evening comes back
to me. The low wind sweeping up
fitfully from the river, the hum of
the locust and the rustic of the
maple leaves, all played an accom-
paniment to my hearts love-song,
as l acknowledged Bessie Mayfield
as my betrothed bride. Her real
name was Bessie Mason, but bearing
a stricking resemblance to my sister,
and having been left an orphan at an
early age, she was taken into our
home and hearts, and had ever since
worn our name.
We had been sweethearts from our
cradles. Our homes bordered one
upon the other, and it is not Singh
lar that the interlacing of our hearts
should strengthen with our years.
stood there in the shadows of
the trees, watching her ascend the
long stairway, and wondering if !
was worthy of her. She had one of
those gentle, shrinking natures that
sweetens and softens every home. |
used to call her my little rivulet, and
to-day as I look back upon the play
ground of the past, find it green
and fresh from her influence.
Lillian Lawrence was coming on
the midnight train to spend the va
cation at Richmond, so | ordered
the carriage driver to call at ll.5O
p. M, went Immediately to my office,
and sat down to read
Fancy came to me on fairy wings,
and beguiled the tedious hours.
Vision after vision came before me
in kind of panoramic display, and
Bessie's sweet face smiled from the
canvas of each picture. Now she
promenaded with my sister Grace
and confessed the secret of her heart
her love for me. Now she dis
played the engagement bracelet, dis
closing the charm ofits lock. Flash
after flash of the rubies penetrated
my drowsy mind until Isaw the head
light of the engine and heard the
shrill whistle announce the arrival
of Miss Lawrence
The moment / saw her feared
her. She was beautiful, tall and
graceful, her movements willowy and
her eyes soft and slumberous, that
alternated shades Of brown and black.
l felt their power and tried to avert
my gaze, but could not. My heart
served as a focus that concentrated
the mellow beams of her eyes.
Let me relieve you of your par
GELS, 1 said, trying to shake off the
weight that burdened me, and at the
same time assisting her into the car
rage.
You were expecting me then,
to-night?' she said. 1 feared my
telegram would not reach you Has
Arthur Hastings arrived p He was
to have met me at Bellwood, but as
he did not, supposed he was await
ing me here
He has not l replied, trying TO
make myself engaging, but scarcely
hearing her words for the melody of
her voice, which seemed almost like
a caress.
He has already declared himself
a rival of yours, having fallen in love
with the picture | have of Bess,' she
continual TALKING in q familiar strain